International students honored for volunteer work on Mauna Kea

More than a dozen students from Hawai‘i Community College’s Intensive English Program were recognized recently for their extensive volunteer efforts at the visitor center on Mauna Kea.

The Onizuka Center for International Astronomy Visitor Information Station on Mauna Kea held its annual Volunteer Awards Banquet on Sept. 28. International students from Hawai‘i CC and UH Hilo contributed 34 percent of a total of 12,244 hours this past year. Many of the volunteers are current or former students in Hawai‘i CC’s Intensive English Program, which encourages students to participate in all kinds of volunteer activity.

More than a dozen current and former Hawai‘i CC international students were recognized for their efforts as volunteers at the Mauna Kea visitor center. Awards were given in different categories depending on the amount of hours volunteered.

Gin Tezuka, Sachika Nojiri and Miki Yamane were each presented with the “Hoku” award for outstanding service. In addition, Gin Tezuka was recognized as the “Most Dedicated” volunteer of the year.

Hawaiʻi CC’s Intensive English Program provides academic English language instruction and comprehensive support services to international students pursuing academic, personal, and professional goals. Students learn the language skills they need to enroll at an American university.